From 6 December 2010 if you move to Queensland from interstate and have an existing licence with an interlock requirement you may be subject to Queensland’s interlock program when you transfer your licence. If so, you will be issued with a licence with an ‘I’ (for ‘interlock’) and will have to comply with the requirements of the program.
If you move to Queensland and already have an interlock installed in your vehicle you will need to go to a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre to transfer your licence to a Queensland licence. You may be subject to Queensland’s interlock program when you transfer your licence.
Are any discounts available?
Yes. You may be eligible for a discount on some costs relating to the installation, rental, scheduled servicing and removal of an interlock if you hold a valid Health Care Card issued by the Australian Government.
Is any financial assistance available?
Yes. If you are a low income earner you may be eligible for financial assistance on some costs relating to the installation, rental, servicing and removal of an interlock.
You may be eligible for financial assistance if:
- you hold a valid Queensland driver licence endorsed with an 'I' (for interlock) (you may lodge an application prior to obtaining a driver licence with an 'I' on it and conditional approval may be granted pending a licence being obtained)
- you are an Australian Citizen or permanent resident
- the assessable income and liquid assets† are below the maximum allowable limits which apply to your circumstances (see table below)
- you have not received financial assistance in the last five years.
To be eligible for financial assistance your annual income must be less than the maximum annual income and your current bank balance must be below the maximum liquid assets for your circumstances as outlined below.
For example, if you are single with two dependent children and your annual income is $38,570.72 and your bank balance is $658.42 – while your liquid assets are below the relevant limit you would not be eligible for financial assistance as your annual income exceeds the maximum amount.
†Your liquid assets are any funds that are readily available to you, including money in banks, building societies, or credit unions.
| Circumstances | Maximum Annual Income | Maximum Liquid Assets |
|---|
| Single (single or separated) – not in workforce |
$21,284.20 |
$3,000 |
| 1 dependent child |
$28,029.12 |
$3,000 |
| 2 dependent children |
$34,457.36 |
$3,000 |
| 3 dependent children |
$40,885.08 |
$3,000 |
| 4 + dependent children |
$47,313.32 |
$3,000 |
| Single (single or separated) – in workforce |
$25,782.20 |
$3,000 |
| 1 dependent child |
$32,531.80 |
$3,000 |
| 2 dependent children |
$38,955.36 |
$3,000 |
| 3 dependent children |
$45,383.60 |
$3,000 |
| 4 + dependent children |
$51,811.32 |
$3,000 |
| Couple (married or de facto) – neither in workforce |
$29,315.60 |
$5,000 |
| 1 dependent child |
$35,743.84 |
$5,000 |
| 2 dependent children |
$42,171.56 |
$5,000 |
| 3 dependent children |
$48,599.80 |
$5,000 |
| 4 + dependent children |
$55,028.04 |
$5,000 |
| Couple (married or de facto) – either/both in workforce |
$31,814.12 |
$5,000 |
| 1 dependent child |
$40,241.84 |
$5,000 |
| 2 dependent children |
$46,670.08 |
$5,000 |
| 3 dependent children |
$53,097.80 |
$5,000 |
| 4 + dependent children |
$59,526.04 |
$5,000 |
The above thresholds are subject to change and are current as at 2 May 2012. These figures are derived from the Henderson Poverty Line which is updated quarterly.
If you have a partner, their income and liquid assets will also be assessed. If you are a dependent child, your parent(s)/guardian(s)’ income and liquid assets will be assessed.
To receive financial assistance you must apply to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program – Financial Assistance Scheme Information Sheet (S4900) provides more information about financial assistance.
Are any exemptions available?
Yes. There are some exemptions available from some of the requirements of the interlock program.
You may be eligible for an exemption from driving a vehicle fitted with an interlock if you:
- reside outside a 150 km radius from the nearest interlock supplier’s place of business. Check with the interlock providers for the location of your nearest interlock installer. It will also be necessary for any person who resides in an area where an exemption may apply to apply to the Department of Transport and Main Roads for an exemption from the interlock condition
- reside on an island, which is not connected to the mainland by bridge, where there is no interlock installer and the island is not a non-exempt island
- have a medical condition that prevents you from providing the required volume of breath to operate the interlock. (Note: For an exemption on the basis of a medical condition you will need to provide an Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program – Medical Certificate for Interlock Exemption Application (form F4864) completed by your doctor.)
- have extenuating circumstances that impact on your ability to reasonably use an interlock. This is more than just an inconvenience - the circumstances must be unduly burdensome for you or your family.
To apply for an exemption you must:
The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program – Interlock Exemption Information Sheet (S4863) (PDF, 157 KB) provides more information about if you are eligible for an exemption.
Do other Australian jurisdictions have interlock programs?
Yes. Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory all have interlock programs. Western Australia has indicated that they intend to introduce an interlock program. Tasmania recently conducted a one year trial of interlocks.
I have more questions. Who do I talk to?
For enquiries regarding the interlock devices, discuss with your chosen interlock supplier (see contact details above).
For enquiries regarding the interlock program, contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80.
Forms for download
